From Punjab to Australia: How Cricketer Nikhil Chaudhary Got There
Punjab domestic cricketer Nikhil Chaudhary became the first India-born male to play for Australia in 62 years, debuting against Bangladesh on June 17.
North Desk Correspondent
Chandigarh, June 19
Nikhil Chaudhary, who trained on Punjab’s domestic cricket circuit under Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh before a Covid-era stranding in Australia rerouted his career, became the first India-born male cricketer in 62 years to play for Australia when he made his T20 International debut against Bangladesh in Chattogram on June 17.
The 30-year-old, born in Delhi and raised in Punjab, is a leg-spinning all-rounder known for aggressive middle-order batting. He was handed Australia’s Test cap-style T20I cap No. 117 after being called up on June 11 as a replacement for the injured Travis Head.
Cricketer Nikhil Chaudhary qualified for selection on the basis of permanent residency rather than citizenship, under ICC eligibility rules.
The Punjab Years
Cricketer Nikhil Chaudhary’s cricketing education happened on Punjab’s grounds. He made his Twenty20 debut for the state in the 2016-17 Inter-State tournament in January 2017, in a side captained by Harbhajan Singh, and went on to play 14 List-A and T20 matches for Punjab between 2017 and 2019-20. He trained alongside Harbhajan and Yuvraj Singh, and shared dressing rooms with current India players including Abhishek Sharma, Arshdeep Singh and Shubman Gill.
Despite the pedigree, a breakthrough never came: an IPL trial with Mumbai Indians did not lead to a contract, and his India domestic career stalled.
Stranded By Covid, Rebuilt In Brisbane
The turn came in 2020, when Cricketer Nikhil Chaudhary travelled to Queensland to visit an uncle and was caught out by pandemic border closures. Unable to return, he took up club cricket in Brisbane while working odd jobs, including as a courier with Australia Post and a stint at a restaurant, to support himself. His performances in local cricket, including a seven-six hitting innings in a club semi-final, caught the attention of former Australian all-rounder James Hopes, opening a pathway into state and franchise cricket.
The Rise Through Hobart And Tasmania
Chaudhary went on to become a fixture at the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League, playing a part in the franchise’s maiden BBL title in the 2024-25 season. In his most recent BBL season he scored 307 runs from 11 innings at an average of 30.70 and a strike rate above 150, with a top score of 79 off 38 balls against the Melbourne Renegades. The form earned him a state contract with Tasmania, where he made his Sheffield Shield debut in October 2025, going on to score a maiden first-class century against New South Wales and take a five-wicket haul against Queensland in his debut season.
The Debut, And A Series Still Live
On debut in the first T20I at Chattogram, Chaudhary took 1 for 14 with the ball, dismissing Rishad Hossain, and held two catches as Australia bowled out Bangladesh for 131. He then scored 18 in the chase as Australia won by four wickets to go 1-0 up in the three-match series. The second T20I is being played at the same venue in Chattogram today, June 19, with the series decider scheduled for June 21.
A Rare Company
Chaudhary is only the third India-born cricketer to represent Australia at any level, and the first male cricketer to do so since Gujarat-born leg-spinner Rex Sellers played a Test against India in 1964. Pune-born Lisa Sthalekar, who came to Australia as a child and was adopted by Australian parents, is the only other India-born player to have worn the Australian cap, captaining the women’s team across a career that ran from 2003 to 2013.
Chaudhary’s journey adds his name to a small but growing list of Indian-origin players, including Gurinder Sandhu and Tanveer Sangha, who have gone on to play international cricket for Australia.
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